An excellent essay. What do you tell your children? Maybe the truth and what they can do about it. Mr. Rogers said “look for the helpers” during every tragedy. Tell your daughter about scientists and engineers who work to understand the world and change it for the better. Tell her about medical researchers and doctors and nurses and technicians who save and improve lives. Tell her about artists and musicians who communicate the essence of the human experience.

Yes, warn your daughter about the cruelty and stupidity in the world. But she also needs to know that she can do something positive and be among the good, thoughtful and capable people who make life better.